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139
The following courses were arranged for the Teachers during the
year:—
1. A course of nine lessons in dances suitable for use in senior
schools. This was conducted by Miss Idle, of Streatham
Hill High School, and was much appreciated—in fact more
applications were received than it was possible to entertain,
and I reluctantly had to refuse admission to several teachers
who applied too late.
2. A course of six lessons on the Organisation of Games Lessons
and Playing Fields conducted by Miss Edgell, late Games
Mistress at Chelsea College of Physical Education. These
lessons were held during the light summer evenings. A
short lecture on the theory and teaching of the more organised
games, such as net-ball, rounders, capstan ball, etc., was
followed by an hour's practice in the playgrounds attached to
Winterbourne Road School. Unfortunately, owing to the
weather, play out of doors was impossible on two of these
evenings, but on these two occasions indoor gymnastic games
were taken in the hall of the Infants' School.
This class was also well attended, the maximum of
sixty being easily reached before the final date of application.
3. A course of twelve lessons in the Theory and Practice of
Physical Training for the teachers of the Infants' Schools;
and
4. A course of 25 lessons in the Theory and Practice of Physical
Training for the teachers in senior departments.
These courses were started in the autumn of 1919 and
are in progress at the time of writing. It was expected that
the new Syllabus of Physical Exercises promised by the
Board of Education would be published in September, and
accordingly arrangements were made for its study at these
courses So remarkable was the response of the teachers to
the invitation to attend these courses that two classes have
had to be held each night, thus making four courses instead
of two.
Although the publication of the syllabus has been
delayed up to the time of writing, I was able to obtain an
advance proof copy from the Board of Education, with
permission to use it at the classes, so the the courses have
been carried out as arranged.
5. A course of 25 lessons for the student teachers. This course
is also in progress at the time of writing.
I think the splendid attendance at all these courses furnishes
evidence of the desire of the teachers to take their share in the
promotion of the physical welfare of the children, and I am hopeful
that the Committee will see its way to granting increased facilities for
physical training, not only in the narrow sense of physical exercises,
but in the larger sphere of games, swimming, dancing, and all wholesome
athletic training as embodied in Section 17 of the Education Act, 1918.
I am confident that all concerned in the physical education of young
people in Croydon will make full use of such opportunities.
Yours faithfully,
MAY APPLETON.